Stargazing at TOP

​Here at Top of the Pines we are lucky to be quite far removed from any urban light pollution which means it is a great location for enjoying the night sky. 
No camping trip at TOP is complete without some stargazing! Before you snuggle into your tent or camper for the night, be sure to head out into the meadow to lose yourself in the silver shimmer of the Milky Way. There is something awe-inspiring about the way the Mt. Sneffels rises up on the horizon toward the infinite depths of the universe, reminding us that we are all made of the same starstuff. 
You can help others experience the wonders of an inky-black, star-spangled night sky by reducing your own light pollution while you visit TOP. 


Best Dark Skies Practices for Campers

• Consider installing down shield or directional lights on the exterior of your pop-up, camper truck or van. When light isn’t shielded, it can escape outwards, upwards and all around, making it more likely to negatively impact wildlife. 
• Choose warm-colored bulbs which minimize brightness and attract less insects. Studies have shown that visible light with waves on the shorter end of the spectrum (lights that are colder in color) are more likely to decrease melatonin output in many animals, which can affect their sleep cycles.
• Limit your use of light whenever possible. Try to only use lights when you need them and avoid leaving them on when you leave your site or go to bed.
• Draw your window shades when interior lights are on.
• Avoid the use of string or decorative lights. (In the case of weddings and parties, please consider turning off decorative lighting by 10 p.m.)
• Extinguish campfires before the 10 p.m. quiet hours begin.
• ​Use headlamps instead of lanterns, preferably with a red-light mode.

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TOP Campground Dark Sky Efforts
At Top of the Pines, we are committed to preserving the dark sky in every possible way. The future night sky in this area is protected by outdoor lighting ordinances passed by the Town of Ridgway and Ouray County requiring lights to be fully shielded, preventing light trespass.  


Here are some of the initiatives we are currently working on.

• We have developed a lighting management plan.
• All fixtures have been upgraded to be down shielded and operate with a motion sensor when appropriate.
• The fixtures only use warm tone low energy LED light bulbs.
• Following all International Dark Sky Association standards for Dark Sky Sanctuaries and pursuing designation as a Dark Sky Park.
• Ongoing monitoring of light levels and developing initiatives for reductions where possible.

​Sidebar: Why Dark Skies Matter
Unintentional light pollution can have negative affects on wildlife behavior, including disruption of sleep cycles, feeding habits and reproductive patterns.

Whether light is shielded, or of a longer wavelength, it can still be a fatal attraction for insects. Animal species that rely on insects for food are negatively impacted when all the bugs in the area are drawn to your campsite for the evening.

​Not only that, light pollution is disturbing to fellow campers who are trying to sleep or stargaze.